Antinuclear activist: The closing of the nuclear power plant is a vict

let us simplify the argument -

Antinuclear activist:
Power industry cannot operate nuclear plants safely --> shut down the nuclear plant.

Plant manager:
cheap power from nonnuclear sources + Cost of mandated safety inspections and repairs --> shut down of the plant. (hence, reasons are economic, not safety related).

The plant manager tries to weaken the antinuclear activist's argument by stating an alternate cause.

We have been asked to support the activist's claim. that is any answer option that states that safety was indeed the cause, not economic reasons is the correct answer.

let us look at the answer options -
A - Incorrect.
"expired license" does not necessarily mean "unsafe". Hence, we cannot say for certain that "safety concerns" led to the plant's closure.
B - Correct.
If safety concerns made the plant uneconomical to operate, then indeed the ultimate cause for closing was "safety".
C - Incorrect.
Strengthens the plant manager's argument by implying that the reasons must indeed be economic.
D - Incorrect.
Strengthens the plant manager's argument by implying that the reasons must indeed be economic.
E - Incorrect.
Not relevant to the argument. The argument talks about safety and economics being the reasons for plant shut down.